Butler NJ

Butler is a historic borough located in northern New Jersey’s Morris County. Nestled against the Ramapo Mountains, this small town community strikes the perfect balance between scenic beauty and modern livability.

Population

Butler has roughly 7,500 residents within its 2.2 square miles based on recent census data. The population has held steady over the past decade as Butler maintains its appeal and charm.

The community is predominantly white, but also includes Hispanic, African American and Asian groups contributing diversity. About 30% of households have children under 18.

Fast Facts – Butler, NJ

• Median age 40.8 years
• Male-female ratio 49% male, 51% female
• Most common languages English, Spanish, Gujarati spoken
• Most common religions Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism
• Unemployment rate 3.5%
• Poverty rate 6.2%

History

Butler’s history reaches back to Native American times, with the Lenape inhabiting the area. European settlers arrived in the early 1700s, building an agrarian village. Industry like iron mining drove growth into the 20th century.

Butler was incorporated as a borough in 1901. While today a commuter suburb, historic sites like the D.A. Dey Mansion still reflects its past identity.

Quality of Life

Butler offers residents a high quality of life. Top rated schools, safe streets, recreational programs, and community events all contribute to making Butler a sought after location to call home.

The vibrant downtown provides entertainment with shopping, dining and nightlife options. Festivals like the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade draw visitors from across the region.

Healthcare

Residents have access to excellent healthcare services within Butler and nearby. Valley Hospital provides advanced care just 15 minutes away in Ridgewood. Within Butler, private practices, urgent care clinics and non-profit health centers cover essential needs.

Access to quality preventive services and lifestyles contributes to population health measures meeting or beating national averages. Resources effectively support community wellbeing.

Safety

Butler maintains exceptionally low crime rates thanks to attentive community policing and watch groups. Violent offenses are rare in the family-friendly community. Property crime rates sit below state and national figures.

Emergency response services through the Butler Police Department and volunteer fire department are well staffed, trained and equipped. Their swift response provides citizens reliable protection and safety.

Transportation

Butler enjoys great transportation connectivity. Most residents commute by car thanks to nearby highway access and ample downtown parking. For public transit, NJ Transit bus routes and train stations quickly reach New York City.

Local roads conveniently link neighborhoods across town with minimal congestion outside rush hours. Butler’s compact size makes walking or biking viable options to get around.

Shopping and Dining

Butler’s downtown offers an array of boutiques, antique shops, cafes and restaurants that draw regional visitors. The Butler Farm Market provides fresh produce and gourmet goods. Strip malls along Route 23 contain additional shopping and chain eateries.

With walkable access to diverse options, Butler residents can satisfy all their daily living needs locally. Nightlife like live music and comedy add entertainment flavor.

Education

The Butler Public School District provides acclaimed education from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade across three campuses. Academics consistently rank among New Jersey’s highest performing. Butler High School students attend West Morris Mendham, a top-tier regional school.

Butler also has several private school options. Overall, 95% of adults hold high school diplomas, while 50% have bachelor’s degrees or higher. Residents value education.

Points of Interest

• Butler Museum: This local history museum housed in an old train depot contains Native American artifacts, exhibits on Butler’s past, and a model train display.
• Garrett Mountain Reservation: Over 500 acres of woodlands with hiking trails and scenic overlooks of the New York City skyline.
• Alstede Farms: Family entertainment includes pick-your-own produce, hayrides, corn mazes and festivals at this historic farm.
• Borough Hall: The 1936 Art Deco municipal building is an architectural standout with WPA murals inside showcasing Butler’s heritage.
• Morris Canal Lock 2: Remnants of the historic canal exhibit the importance of waterway transportation to Butler’s early growth and economy.